Senior Alexandra Sahlen scored Niagara's loan goal tonight.

Buffalo, N.Y.– Niagara University senior Alexandra Sahlen (Elma, N.Y.) scored the game’s lone goal in the 36th minute as the visiting Purple Eagles defeated Canisius College 1-0 in women's soccer action Wednesday night at the Demske Sports Complex. The game was the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opener for both schools.  Niagara is now 3-4-0, and 1-0-0 in the conference.

“I was really excited to see the girls come out so strong and play well the entire 90 minutes,” said head coach Peter Veltri.  “Conference games are always tight and it was great to see my team not fold under pressure and not give up the lead.  Freshmen Emily Montgomery (Oshawa, Ont.), Jenna Sporta (Oakville, Ont.) and sophomore defender Amber Niece (Port Colborne, Ont.) had incredible games and definitely dictated the play tonight.”

Sahlen's goal came when she brought the ball up through the midfield on the right side and curled in a shot from 15 yards away that sneaked in the far post. The unassisted goal was Sahlen’s first tally of the season.

Niagara keeper Katy Owings (Annapolis, Md.) posted six  saves in her first shutout of the season. Canisius senior keeper Christine Moran recorded seven saves in 90 minutes of action. The Purple Eagles outshot Canisius, 14-9.

The Purple Eagles return to action Friday afternoon as they travel to Temple for a 4p.m. non-conference match on the campus of Temple University.